During remote learning, the DMHS band has been thriving on new opportunities. Through Gary Hollander’s “Virtual VIP” series, students have been learning about several different careers in the music industry, with new guest speakers every week. 

Dr. Hollander has been reaching out to people working in the music field, asking them to present their jobs to band students. These workers include common areas of work in the industry, ranging from artists, musicians, and producers to more uncommon careers, such as musical engineers and gaming sound producers. 

“Connecting with professionals in the field at Disney, Interscope, Netflix, and HBO has been special for all of us involved,” Dr. Hollander said.

Guests are invited to speak during Monday band sessions at 3:00. However, due to a long line of musicians eager to present, some guests are invited for Tuesdays. During presentations, guests speak openly about what their career entails, including both benefits and downsides of their career.

“I never knew that there were so many different options when it comes to going into the music field,” junior Grace Yang explained. “The speakers really open my eyes to the real world of music.”

When guests are finished talking about their careers, students are welcomed to ask any questions they may have, both about the career itself or the pursuit of it.

“I always love the question segment,” senior Samantha Whilby said. “I enjoy hearing guests answer questions about what made them pursue a career in music, or if they initially had other plans before realizing that this was their passion.”

Students are also given reflection assignments after each presentation, which allow them to express whether or not they’re interested in hearing more from other workers within the same field.

“When presenting new career fields in music to students, I want them to hear from the best, so I got the best,” said Dr. Hollander laughing.

Dr. Hollander plans to continue with the Virtual VIP series, and is extending it into different segments, including Historically Black Colleges and University (HBCU) branches as well as sessions with Grammy-award winning artists.